Fabulous Feature Friday
Sherrinda Ketchersid
At different times in our lives we all face the ladder. Her words will inspire you:
I’ve been calling myself a
writer for about six years. It has been the most wonderful, frustrating,
rewarding, exasperating thing I have ever done! I’ve loved meeting other
writers online and have been planning to go to the big ACFW Conference this
fall with great anticipation. It’s what I love!
Not long ago, God got a
hold of me and we wrestled for quite awhile. You know when God is talking to
you, even though sometimes you don’t want to hear Him. You have a disquiet feeling
in your heart. You aren’t at peace. You run into road blocks at every turn. You
know good and well He is trying to get your attention, but you look the other
way.
God was convicting me of
not being a better helper to my husband, who pastors a small church. I’ve been
an active member, but my heart hasn’t been in it. I have been consumed with
writing and blogging, letting it take over, letting it become an idol of sorts.
Here’s the thing. When I
married my husband, I knew that his calling would become my calling. Called by
God. Called to serve. And I have ignored my calling. My husband needs me. He
needs to know I am completely behind him, that I am interested in his work,
that I “get him”. No one can “get him” like I can – and he needs to know I do!
So three weeks ago I was
battling God, because I felt like He was asking me to give up my writing. Not
forever, but for a season. I didn’t want to, so I asked God to give me a sign.
In my prayer time before church, I asked God to make it clear I was supposed to
give up my writing.
Well, God was so faithful.
In the sermon, my husband (who had no idea I was wrestling with this) says this
while talking about the prodigal son in the pig pen: Living in the pig pen is not just the place where sinners end up. Sometimes
it’s us in the pig pen. It’s those of us who put other things before God. Are
you putting things before God? Is God telling you to give up anything? Is He
speaking to you?
Tears flowed from my eyes
when I heard those words. My God answered my prayer in such a clear and profound
way. He cared enough to speak to me and guide my way. What an awesome God!
And that’s not all He did!
Since I belong to The
Writer’s Alley, a blog written by 10 aspiring authors, I thought I should back
out. I wasn’t going to be writing for publication! But they asked me to stay
and write more spiritual/devotional type posts. It could be writing or reading
related…or not. I wasn’t sure if I should, so I said I would pray about it.
That night, my husband came home from work and said he thought I shouldn’t quit
blogging. He thought I should write more spiritual/devotion type posts! Isn’t
that amazing? I love it when God speaks in ways that are unmistakable!
You know, it isn’t easy to
give up something that is so important to you. It is difficult. It hurts! But I
do know this, God has a peace that passes understanding that will fill you and
He will be your very great reward. He will compensate for the loss. He will
make a way for you.
So you might be wondering
how I am spending my time since I’m not writing. Well, I am digging into the
gospels, and am studying the life of Jesus. I want to be Jesus in this world.
His hands. His feet. His heart. I want to encourage those around me. I want to
build up God’s kingdom here on earth. I want to be a part of the mission of
Christ and all that entails!
p.s. And I’m STILL getting
to be an Alley Cat at The Writer’s Alley with Mary Vee!!!! What more could a
gal ask for? Thanks for having me, Mary!
Sherrinda, I am the one who has been blessed by your testimony. Thanks for sharing.
You can read her posts every other Tuesday on the Writers Alley
Comments
And Mary, thanks for having me today. You are such a beautiful warrior for God and strong in the Spirit!
I agree, I am blessed to have Sherrinda here and this fabulous testimony.
Thanks for sharing your life with us. Your words mean so much:)
I'm so thankful for God's call, God's answers...and your faithfulness.
Love ya bunches!
What a blessing Sherrinda was to me then and now!
Thanks for sharing your life in such generous ways.
Thanks, Ava, for your sweet words. You are such an encourager and I'm honored to call you friend!